Cabinet or desk structures employing framework arranged outside of panel members



Sept. 17, 1957 H. P. GLASS 2,306,755

CABINET OR DESK STRUCTURES EMPLOYING FRAMEWORK ARRANGED OUTSIDE OF PANEL MEMBERS Filed Feb. 21, 1955 2 Sheets- Sheet 1 HENRY P. GLASS INVENTOR.

Egg" 2 AGENT Sept. '17, 1957 4 H. P. GLASS 2,806,755

CABINET'OR DESK STRUCTURES EMPLOYING FRAMEWORK ARRANGED OUTSIDE OF PANEL MEMBERS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 21, 1955 INVENTOR.

P. GLASS fiMW AGENT HENRY United States Patent CABENET 63 STRUCTURES EMPLGYING FRAMEW ARRANGED OUTSIDE 0F PANEL MEMBERS lass, Chicago, Ill.

This invention relates to cabinets, desks or the like which can be readily enlarged, reduced, changed in shape, partly disassembled or completely disassembled with a minimum of effort.

Office or school furniture of the prior art usually comprised a framework on which were mounted a plurality of parts or panel members held together by a plurality of bolts, screws or other fastening members. In order to be assured that the several parts of this type of furniture were duly assembled, most manufacturers assembled and shipped the devices as a unitary structure. The cost of shipment and the fact that this type of structure could not be readily changed to serve another use limited its commercial value.

Therefore, in accordance with the invention claimed new and improved cabinets, desks, or the like are provided which are built up of prefabricated panels. These devices comprise top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around the periphery of its edges. A framework for the panel members is utilized which comprises tubular angular corner members having laterally extending arms and a plurality of tubular members telescopically connecting the arms of the d iferent corner members together to bind the corner members into a framework structure. The arms of the corner members and the tubular connecting members are arranged to extend within the intersecting grooves of the adjacent panel members to support and bind these panel members together into a unitary structure.

It is therefore, one object of the present invention to provide new and improved ofiice or school furniture composed of a plurality of parts some of which are interchangeable with each other so as to provide for readily varying the sizes of the devices to accommodate different interior arrangements.

Another object of the present invention is to provide new and improved cabinets, desks or the like wherein the parts of the framework of the devices are mounted outside of their panel structures.

A further object of this invention is to provide new and improved cabinets, desks or the like in which the parts of the frameworks of the devices when assembled outside of the periphery of the edges of the panel members cooperate to hold the panel members together to form unitary structures.

A still further object of this invention is to provide new and improved cabinets, desks or the like in which the panel members and frame structures are of simple and economical construction.

A still further object of this invention is to provide cabinet and desk structures in which most of the component parts are of identical construction.

Objects and advantages other than those set forth w ll be apparent from the following description when read 1n connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing one form of cabinet or desk construction embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a modification of the cabinet or desk structure shown in Fig. 1 and embodying the present invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged exploded detail perspective view showing one corner of the framework structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective View of two cabinets, one superimposed upon the other and embodying the present invention;

Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views of further modifications of the structure shown in Fig. 1 and embodying the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a locker embodying the present invention; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a storage cabinet mounted on wheels and provided with a hinged top and embodying the present invention.

Throughout the several figures of the drawings similar reference characters have been used to denote the same or similar parts.

Fig. 1 represents a cabinet or desk ordinarily consisting of a plurality of panel members held together by a framework.

More particularly, the cabinet or desk structure 10 shown in Fig. 1 comprises two end panel members 11 and 12, a side panel member 13, a top panel member 14-, a bottom panel member 15, and two front door panel members 16 and 17 supported by a framework 18. Each of the panel members is provided with outwardly opening grooves 19 extending along the periphery of its edges. The panel members 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are each provided with the outwardly opening grooves 19 extending around substantially the entire periphery of its edges. The door panel members 16 and 17 may be provided with grooves 19 extending around only a portion of the periphery of its edges.

The panel members are all joined together and held in position as a unitary structure by the framework 13 which fits around the panel members and within the grooves 19 formed in the outer periphery of their edges. The framework 18 comprises a plurality of corner members 20 and 21. Corner members 20 (more clearly shown in Fig. 3) are provided with three laterally extending arms which extend within the intersecting grooves of the top, end and side panel members. Corner members 21 are each provided with four laterally extending arms three of which extend within the intersecting grooves of the bottom, end and side members, while the fourth arm serves as a leg member for the cabinet or desk structure. The corner members 2%) and 21 are held together by a plurality of extension tubular members 22 of variable lengths. Members 22 are telescopically associated with necked down end portions 23 of the arms of corner members 2% and 21. As shown, the arms of corner members 20 and 21 may extend substantially at right angles to each other.

The tubular extension members 22 bind the corner members 20 and 21 into a unitary rectangular prism type framework which supports the panel members within the outline of the framework. Tubular extension members 22 are arranged within the outwardly opening grooves 19 and in cooperation with the corner members 2! and 21 to support and bind the panel members together into a cabinet or desk type structure. The grooves 19 have an arcuate shape of a slightly larger diameter than the outer diameter of the corner members 20, 21 and the extension members 22 such that the corner members 20 and 21 and the extension members 22 closely hug the inner surfaces of these grooves. In this manner the framework 18 locks the panel members together into a tightly fitting structure. Each ofthe, tubulanmembers n extend with the V grooves of two adjacent panel members.

The extension members 22 may be held in the grooves by screws 24 to aid in assembly 9f, the pluralityof parts, As shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the tubular extension members 22 are suitably secured to the door panel members 16 and 1 7 and arehingedly supported by the associated corner members 2% and 211. More particularly, the ex tension members 22 secured to door panels 16and 17 rotate "about the neck downportions 23 of 'these associated corner members. The outwardly opening grooves 19 extending around the peripheries of the outer edges of the door panel members '15 ;and 17 are so formed on their inner edges that the door panel members may readily pass over the framework 18'during opening and closing operations. The outer edges of these grooves, however, overlap the framework and keep the door panels in their closed position from passinginside ofthe framework structure. In this manner the door panelmembers in their closed position assume the same position with relation to the framework 18 as do the other panel members of the unitary cabinet or desk structure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a modification of the door structure shown in Fi". 1 wherein a partitioned filing and storing device 39 is fastened to the inside of door panel member 17.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of two cabinets 25 and 26 wherein cabinet 25 is mounted upon cabinet 26. Both cabinets utilize the same type of framework and panel structures shown in Figs. ljto '3 but are so arranged in shape andsize to form two difierent size and type storage structures for commercial, home 'or school use. Cabinet 25 comprising end, top and door panel members 27, 28 and 29, respectively, and supported by framework 18, is shaped similar to the desk type structure illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 but of narrower width. Cabinet 26 is similar in size and shape to the desk or cabinet structures shown in Figs. '1 and 2 Wlthth door panels 16 and 17 removed and is partitioned by members 31 to form a plurality of cubby holes.

Fig. illustrating a cabinet 32 comprising grooved end, top, bottom and side panel members 33, 34, 35 and 36, respectively, supported by framework 18, is a further modification of the panel and framework structures shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 wherein the interior of cabinet 32 is partitioned bymembers 37 to serve further needs in the home, business oifice or school.

Fig. 6 illustrates a cabinet 38 which is another modification of the cabinet or desk structures shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5. Cabinet 38com'prisi'r'1g side and end panel members 39 and 40, respectively, supported by framework 18, has the' same inventive features of the structures shown in Figs. 1 to 5. The interior of cabinet 38, however, is partitioned to provide a plurality of drawers 41 and a plurality of movable shelves 42 mounted on door panel members 43 and'4 1. The door panel members 43 and 44 are hingedly supported on the framework 18 in the same manner as the door panel members 16 and 17 of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 7 illustrates a locker cabin'et'45 for ofiic'e, school or home use which is made up of a'plurality of grooved side and end panel members 46 and 47, respectively, supported by framework 18. The panel members and frame work have the same inventive features as described and illustrated under Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Fig. 8 illustrates a storage cabinet 48 comprising a plurality of grooved panel members '49 of the type disclosed in Figs. 1 to 7 held together by the framework 18. Framework 18, co'mprisingcorner members 20 and 21 and extension members 22, is mounted on wheels 50 for easy movement. A cover member 51 is hingedly supported on the top of the framework to close. the container. p This cover member 51 may be grooved in the same manner as 'doorfpanelme'mb'ers I6 and'17 soas to.

fic'b etweenthe'cornefafld "extension members 'or may be former (as shown) to sit on top of the upper part of the framework when in the closed door position.

Each of the structures shown in Figs. 1 to 8 discloses a new and improved cabinet, desk or the like structure which is composed of a plurality of interchangeable parts. in this manner a plurality of oflice, school or home furniture may be cheaply manufactured, shipped in the unassembled form, and readily assembled at its destination with a minimum of inconvenience. This new and improved furniture utilizes a minimum of parts and provides a rigid and strong structure capable of withstanding years of rough service. The panel members are so provided that by their shape alone they coact with the frame- Work structure to interlock and form a tight unitary structure. In this new structure the frame work is mounted on the outside of the panel members to protect corners and edges of the panel members from damage during usage. V

Although but a few embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention whom the scope of the appended claims.

I claim: v p 7 l. cabinet, desk, or the like comprising top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending along at least a part of the peripheries of the edges of said panel members, a framework forsaid panel members comprising corner members having laterally extending arms, said armsof said corner members extending within intersecting grooves of said panel members, and extension members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members to bind said corner members together into said framework, said corner and extension members being arranged within said groovesv of said panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure.

2. A cabinet, desk, or the. like comprising panel mem bers each provided with outwardly opening grooves ex: tending along at least a part of the peripheries of the edges of said panel members, a framework for said panel members comprising corner members having laterally extending arms, said arms of said corner members. extending within intersecting grooves of said panel members, and tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members to bind said corner members ito-, getherinto said framework, said corner andconnecting members being arranged within said grooves of said panel.

3. A cabinet, desk, or the like comprising top, bottom,-

and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending along at leastapartfof the peripheries of the edges of said panel members, a frame} work for said panel members comprising tubular angular corner members having arms extending substantially at right angles to each other, said arms of said corner members extending within said grooves of said top, bottom and side panel members, and tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members to bind said corner members together into said framework, said tubular corner and connecting members being arranged .within said grooves of adjacent panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, said framework extending around the around. the periphery of the edgesth'e'reof 'a framework.

for said panel members comprising tubiilarangularicorner members having arms extending substantially "at tight angles to each "other, said armsof said corner inenibe'rs extending within said grooves of said panel members, and a plurality of tubular members telescopically conmeeting said arms of said corner members to bind said corner members together into said framework, said tubular corner and connecting members being arranged within said grooves of said panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, said framework extending outside of the outer periphery of said unitary structure.

5. A cabinet, desk, or the like built up of prefabricated panels comprising top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around the periphery of the edges thereof, a framework for holding said panel members together comprising tubular angular corner members having arms extending substantially at right angles to each other, said arms of said corner members extending within said grooves of said top, bottom and side panel members, and tubular members telescopically connecting together said arms of said corner members to form a rectangular prism, said tubular members being arranged Within said grooves of adjacent panel members to support and lock said panel members together into a unitary structure, said framework extending outside of the outer periphery of said unitary structure.

6. A cabinet, desk, or the like built up of prefabricated panels comprising top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around the periphery of the edges thereof, and a framework for holding said panel members together comprising tubular angular corner members having laterally extending arms and straight tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members together to form a rectangular prism, said corner and tubular members being arranged within said grooves of adjacent panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, each of said tubular members extending within the grooves of two adjacent panel members, said framework extending around the outer periphery of said unitary structure.

7. A cabinet, desk, or the like built up of prefabricated panels comprising top, bottom, side and door panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around at least a part of the periphery of its edges, a framework for holding said panel members together comprising tubular angular corner members having laterally extending arms, said arms of said corner members extending within said grooves of said top, bottom and side panel members, and tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members together, said tubular members being arranged within sald grooves of adjacent panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, said door panel being mounted on one of said tubular members in said groove extending around a portion of its edge and hingedly supported by a pair of corner members of said framework.

8. A cabinet, desk, or the like built up of prefabricated panels comprising top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around the periphery of its edges, and a framework for holding said panel members-together comprising tubular angular corner members having laterally extending arms and straight tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members together to form a rectangular prism, said corner and tubular members being arranged within said grooves of adjacent panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, said framework extending outside of the outer periphery of said unitary structure.

9. A cabinet, desk, or the like built up of prefabricated panels comprising top, bottom and side panel members each provided with outwardly opening grooves extending around the periphery of the edges thereof, and a frame- Work for holding said panel members together comprising tubular angular corner members having laterally extending arms and straight tubular members telescopically connecting said arms of said corner members together to form a rectangular prism, said corner and tubular members being arranged within said grooves of adjacent panel members to support and bind said panel members together into a unitary structure, each of said tubular members extending Within the grooves of two adjacent panel members, said rectangular prism extending outside of the outer periphery of said unitary structure.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 943,821 Feldmann Dec. 21, 1909 2,158,291 Lank May 16, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS 255,057 Switzerland I an. 3, 1949 698,648 France Feb. 2, 1931 

